Cyclonic Vacuum Layout With Enlarged Dirt Collection Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cyclonic vacuum cleaners face limitations in dirt collection capacity and efficiency due to the conventional stacking of components, which restricts the footprint and thus the cross-sectional area of the dirt collection bin.
Innovation Solution
A surface cleaning apparatus with laterally spaced components, featuring a cyclonic cleaning stage and an extended dirt collection bin that utilizes part of the apparatus' footprint, increasing the cross-sectional area and enhancing dirt collection efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If components are stacked on top of each other (conventional upright vacuum design), then the footprint is minimized, but the cross-sectional area of the dirt collection bin is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a vertical stacking arrangement to a lateral arrangement where the dirt collection bin extends in the horizontal plane rather than vertically. This dimensional change allows the bin to utilize the footprint area more effectively, increasing its cross-sectional area without proportionally increasing the overall footprint, thereby resolving the contradiction between bin capacity and apparatus footprint.
2Quantity of substance
If the dirt collection bin cross-sectional area is increased, then dirt collection capacity is improved, but the footprint of the apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cyclonic cleaning stage is positioned within or alongside the extended dirt collection bin structure, allowing components to nest within each other's spatial envelope. This nesting arrangement enables the bin to have a larger cross-sectional area for increased capacity while the cyclone components are integrated into this space, minimizing the additional footprint required.
3Productivity
If components are laterally spaced apart to increase dirt collection bin area, then dirt collection efficiency is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structures are merged or integrated into a unified assembly where the first and second housings form a cohesive structure supporting both the cyclonic cleaning stage and the extended dirt collection bin. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall structure, counteracting the potential increase in complexity from lateral spacing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design allows for increased dirt collection capacity and efficiency by expanding the dirt collection bin's cross-sectional area, effectively enhancing the apparatus' ability to collect dirt and water, particularly suitable for wet/dry vacuum cleaners.
Implementation Method 1
cyclonic vacuum cleaners have a cyclonic cleaning stage comprising a plurality of cyclones in parallel
Implementation Method 2
cyclonic cleaning stage comprises a cyclone having a dirt outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A surface cleaning apparatus is disclosed. The surface cleaning apparatus comprises a dirt inlet, a clean air outlet and a fluid flow path extending between the dirt inlet and the clean air outlet. The surface cleaning apparatus further comprises first and second side by side housings. The first housing comprises a cyclonic cleaning stage in the fluid flow path. The cyclonic cleaning stage comprises a cyclone having a dirt outlet. An associated dirt collection chamber is positioned below the dirt outlet. The dirt collection chamber extends under at least a portion of the first and second housings. The surface cleaning apparatus further comprises a fluid flow motor in the fluid flow path.